A mainly residential commune, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre takes its name in part from the river that runs through it, the Woluwe. With its many green spaces, such as Woluwe Park and Étangs Mellaerts Park, it is a great place to live! It remained essentially rural until the early 20th century, when the construction of avenue de Tervueren had a catalytic effect on its urban and architectural development. The commune's old centre is located in the district around Saint-Pierre church. Later, the land was gradually covered by farms, giving life to several hamlets. This route takes you on a tour of Woluwe-Saint-Pierre's finest architectural specimens!
Architecture in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre: A whole host of styles!
Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, distinguished and airy
© urban
The walk begins with an incredible work by architect Jacques Dupuis: the Parador, a breathtaking modernist villa built between 1946 and 1948. The house was designed for the architect's brother, Paul-Victor, who was a doctor. The house does not reveal much from the street and is oriented more towards the garden, to guarantee tranquillity for its inhabitants. At the time, the permit was granted on condition that a "screen of poplars be planted to hide the view of the facade", which was deemed "ugly"! (297 avenue Louis Jasmin)
Avenue Edmond Parmentier, named after the entrepreneur responsible for the development of Avenue de Tervueren, is lined with old and prestigious houses. This one overlooks the surrounding area and is reminiscent of the Flemish Renaissance Revival style, with its stepped main facade, combination of materials and latticed windows. It dates from 1913. (191 avenue Edmond Parmentier).
If you like mansions, you will love the next stop. The cottage style was chosen when it was built in 1906. Fifteen years later, the facades were transformed to create this eclectic pavilion. It could date from the 18th century, don't you think? (25 rue Mareyde)
Back on Avenue Parmentier, we recommend you stop and admire these two eclectic-style semi-detached villas. The most astonishing thing about them? The result of this symmetry was not built at the same time. The house on the left was built in 1909, and its little sister in 1913. Certain features, such as the turrets, set them apart. (120 and 122 avenue Edmond Parmentier)
Maison Goffay is the work of the architect of the same name, who had it built for his parents in 1935. He was a recent graduate and produced a bold, modernist style of work, clearly inspired by Le Corbusier. You will notice that access is via a footbridge and that the structure rests on stilts, an unusual feature in Brussels... (43 avenue du Hockey)
To round off our stroll, we will take a look at the Church of Saint Paul, a relatively recent sanctuary since it was consecrated in 1941. Imposing in appearance, with its corridor-like entrance and massive tower, it embraces the neo-Romanesque style and uses only materials of Belgian origin, like sandstone, the rock predominantly used here. (94-96 avenue du Hockey)